Peace lilies are known for their beautiful white blooms. So when those lovely white flowers turn green it can be disappointing and puzzling.
Well firstly – Don’t worry! It’s a mystery that can be solved fairly easily. You just have to identify the cause and then do the necessary work to help them recover.
So I’m going to take you through the 19 possible reasons your peace lily’s flowers are turning green, as well as looking at the science behind each cause, and give you the solutions you need to bring back those wonderful white blooms.
Understanding the Peace Lily Flower
Before we get into the causes it’s a good idea to know what you’re dealing with. The part of the peace lily you think of as the “flower” is actually the spathe, a specialized leaf that wraps around the spadix, where the actual flowers grow.
The spathe serves two purposes: attracting pollinators and protecting the flowers.
During its life cycle the spathe goes through a few stages:
- Green (emerging stage)
- Bright white (peak bloom)
- Green again (aging stage)
This natural progression often explains green flowers, but when combined with external factors, the issue becomes more complex. So we’ll break down the reasons and solutions.
1. Natural Aging of the Flower
Every bloom has a life cycle and the peace lily spathe is no exception. The spathe starts green, turns white during its peak flowering stage and then reverts to green as it matures and prepares to fade.
How to Handle It:
- Deadhead properly: Once the bloom begins to turn green and fade cut it off at the base of the stem using sharp, sanitized scissors.
- Don’t rush: Let the flower complete its natural cycle. Premature cutting can interrupt the plant’s energy flow.
2. Low Light
Peace lilies are adaptable to low-light environments but they perform best in bright, indirect light. Too little light forces the plant to overproduce chlorophyll which will cause the spathe to stay or revert to green to help with photosynthesis.
How to Fix It:
- Place your peace lily in a spot with bright, filtered light. Try somewhere as near to an east-facing window.
- Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves. But make sure it gets enough light to thrive.
- If natural light is limited use full-spectrum grow lights for 6–8 hours daily.
3. Too Much Fertilizer
Over-fertilizing your peace lily, especially with nitrogen-rich formulas, stimulates excessive chlorophyll production and turns the spathe green.
Signs of Over-Fertilization:
- Green flowers
- Crispy or brown leaf tips
- Salt buildup on the soil surface
Solution:
- Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) and dilute it to half strength.
- Fertilize only once a month during spring and summer and avoid feeding in fall and winter.
- Flush the soil with water every few months to wash away excess salts.
4. Humidity and Temperature
Peace lilies are native to tropical regions, thriving in humid and stable environments. Low humidity or temperature swings can stress the plant leading to green blooms.
Ideal Conditions:
Humidity: 40–60%
Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)
How to Fix It:
- Increase humidity with a humidifier, pebble tray or regular misting.
- Keep your plant away from drafts, heaters and air conditioners.
5. Improper Watering
Both overwatering and underwatering can stress your peace lily. This will affect its ability to produce healthy, white blooms.
Overwatering Symptoms:
- Yellowing leaves
- Wilting, even when the soil is wet
- A musty smell or visible root rot
Underwatering Symptoms:
- Dry, crispy leaves
- Drooping stems that recover after watering
Solution:
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Peace lilies prefer evenly moist but not soggy soil.
- Make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
6. Light Exposure During Blooming
Peace lilies require stable light levels to produce their white flowers. Excessive exposure to light during flowering can prematurely age the bloom causing it to turn green.
Fix:
- Relocate your plant to a shaded spot if blooms are exposed to harsh, direct sunlight.
- Use sheer curtains to filter intense light.
7. Genetics and Plant Variety
Not all peace lilies are created equal! Some varieties naturally produce greenish flowers. This characteristic is a result of their genetics.
Examples of Varieties:
| Variety | Bloom Color Traits |
|---|---|
| Spathiphyllum wallisii | Classic white blooms |
| Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’ | Larger blooms with greenish tinges |
| Spathiphyllum ‘Domino’ | Variegated leaves, white blooms |
What You Can Do:
If green blooms bother you then choose a variety like Spathiphyllum wallisii, known for its consistently white spathes.
8. Stress from Relocation
If you recently brought your peace lily home or moved it to a new spot the plant may react to changes in its environment by producing green flowers.
Solution:
- Give the plant time to adjust. Make sure it has stable conditions with consistent watering, light and temperature.
- Avoid moving the plant frequently as peace lilies thrive in predictable environments.
9. Overcrowded Roots
If your peace lily is root-bound its ability to absorb nutrients and water is compromised. This stress can affect flower color and overall health.
Signs of a Root-Bound Plant:
- Roots circling the bottom of the pot
- Water running straight through the soil
- Stunted growth
Fix:
- Repot your peace lily every 1–2 years into a pot 1–2 inches larger than its current container.
- Use fresh, well-draining potting soil to provide a nutrient boost.
10. Soil Problems
Poor soil quality or nutrient imbalances can lead to stress. This will affect both leaf and flower color.
Fix:
- Use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. A blend of peat moss, perlite and compost works well.
- Repot every couple of years to refresh the soil and prevent nutrient depletion.
11. Dormancy Period
Peace lilies experience natural rest periods, especially in fall and winter. During this time blooms may fade or turn green as the plant conserves energy.
Solution:
- Reduce watering and fertilization during dormancy.
- Let the plant rest in a cooler, low-light environment for a few months before resuming active care in spring.
12. Air Quality
Poor air quality, like exposure to cigarette smoke or pollutants, can stress your peace lily.
Solution:
- Keep your plant in a well ventilated area.
- Avoid placing it near fireplaces, stoves or smoking zones.
13. Pests
Pests like spider mites, aphids or mealybugs can sap your plant’s energy, affecting bloom health and color.
Fix:
- Regularly inspect the leaves and flowers for signs of pests.
- Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Use filtered or distilled water for watering.
- Let tap water sit overnight to allow chemicals to dissipate.
- Keep your plant in a stable, moderate temperature range.
- Avoid placing it near windows during extreme heat or cold.
14. Water Quality
Tap water containing high levels of chlorine or fluoride can stress your peace lily, leading to discoloration.
Solution:
15. Seasonal Light Changes
Peace lilies are sensitive to changes in light intensity and duration which can impact blooming.
Fix:
Adjust your plant’s placement to accommodate seasonal shifts in light availability.
16. Temperature Extremes
Peace lilies dislike temperatures below 60°F (15°C) or above 85°F (29°C). Extreme temperatures can stress the plant causing green blooms.
Solution:
17. Chemical Exposure
Cleaning products, air fresheners or other household chemicals can affect your peace lily.
Fix:
Relocate the plant away from areas where chemicals are used frequently.
18. Plant Age
As peace lilies age their blooming cycles may change leading to fewer or greener flowers.
Solution:
Divide the plant every few years to rejuvenate growth and encourage fresh blooms.
19. Genetic Mutations
Rarely genetic mutations can result in greenish blooms that are permanent.
Solution:
While you can’t reverse mutations these plants still thrive and add a unique touch to your collection.
Final Thoughts
Understanding why your peace lily flowers turn green comes down to recognizing the plant’s needs and natural behaviors. That could as simple as adjusting how you care for your peace lily or just accepting the it’s unique traits.
Either way as long as you care for it well you will be rewarded with those beautiful white blooms.